MOSCOW, December 11. /TASS/. The Kremlin can not comment on the number of Russian troops stationed in Syria as that is the Defense Ministry’s prerogative, Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
"Only our military can provide you with this information. I cannot give an exact number," he told reporters.
Asked about the outcome of Russia’s communication with the new Syrian authorities, the Kremlin spokesman noted that "it’s too early to say anything." "This is why I cannot give any details, but we are certainly in contact with those who are now in control of the situation on the ground, and this is very important, because we have facilities there and, most importantly, our people," Peskov stressed.
In late November, armed opposition forces launched a large-scale offensive on the Syrian army’s positions and entered Damascus on December 8, while government troops withdrew from the capital. Bashar Assad stepped down as Syrian president and left the country. A Kremlin source told TASS on Sunday that Assad and his family members had arrived in Moscow. Russia granted them asylum on humanitarian grounds.